Rainy Sunday Thoughts

I attended a funeral service yesterday for the father of one of my colleagues. In the last seven months, four of my colleagues have lost a parent. One has lost a spouse. One has lost a grandparent. (That makes up 20% of the company, by the way.) I have been to three funerals in support of these dear friends, guided a few memory-sharing sessions for the staff as we worked through the emotion of losing our beloved leader, and prayed - a lot - for those who grieve.

Each of my friends who struggles with loss copes in a different way. There are similarities, too. Faith and religion bring comfort, regardless of the denomination. Families bind together and succor one another. The dear friend I visited yesterday has seven siblings. As I walked into the greeting session before the service, it sounded like a party. (It reminded me of an LDS gathering - lots of love and noise!)

There are moments when I wonder whether one of the reasons why I am right here, right now, is because these beloved friends need to know what I know about life, death, and resurrection. I appreciate that I have been able to learn a bit about what they believe as I attend funeral services and talk with my friends. I wonder how I could (or whether I should) be sharing in ways beyond basic teach-by-example-ness. Then I reflect on the experiences I have had - just showing up as a silent supporter has meant so much to my colleagues. I usually don't know what to say, so I just say I'm praying for you. That, I hope, means something, too. The sacred experiences I have had in connection with the choice to attend these funerals have taught me about God, His love for me, and His love for my friends.

Today is one of those days when I wish I could see my life from my Heavenly Father's perspective - you know, the view where time is irrelevant - and understand what the significant parts of now really are, so I can appropriately focus on them. I am aware that end-from-the-beginning-itis leaves no room for faith. (No need to lecture me there.) For even while I wish it, I also know that the gentle nudgings of the Spirit will teach me the significant things and help me adjust my focus appropriately. I just need to listen.